The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Pigs => Topic started by: Gaynor on March 25, 2014, 04:25:26 pm

Title: Hi, I'm a small scale pig breeder.
Post by: Gaynor on March 25, 2014, 04:25:26 pm

I have 2 Middle White sows who've just had their 2nd litter. Wanted to birth notify & poss register with BPA but have concern about tattooing their ears.  I've got a 7mm 7 character pliers which seem so big compared their little ears. Wanted to birth notify soon after 3 weeks old so I could advertise on BPA, Breed Society & RBST web site.

Has anyone had experience of tattooing piglet ears? :pig: 

Title: Re: Hi, I'm a small scale pig breeder.
Post by: shygirl on March 25, 2014, 05:43:04 pm

my tattoo pliers were long so I could only tattoo when they were about 7 weeks old. its not difficult if you have a helper. get someone to hold the pig in their arms and apply ink to the ear and pliers then tattoo them, then rub the ink in aswell as you can into the holes.
its a messy job.

where abouts are you?
id love some middle whites.

Title: Re: Hi, I'm a small scale pig breeder.
Post by: Gaynor on March 25, 2014, 06:16:45 pm

I'm in North West Kent J3 M25. They're very adorable at this age - 2 weeks old. Just not looking forward to tattooing but will def enlist some help. I may have to wait til they're 6 or 7 weeks.

Thanks for the words of encouragement  :D

Title: Re: Hi, I'm a small scale pig breeder.
Post by: benandjerry on March 27, 2014, 01:54:38 pm

Hello & Welcome

Title: Re: Hi, I'm a small scale pig breeder.
Post by: Tudful Tamworths on April 08, 2014, 11:20:10 pm

You can birth notify when they are four weeks old, but there's no problem in waiting until their ears are big enough to tattoo any that you are going to register as pedigree.


I do mine just before weaning (normally 8 weeks). There is nothing stopping you advertising your pigs for sale in advance.


Only tattoo the ones you are going to register - IF any meet all the requirements of the breed standard, of course.


Is there anyone living within easy reach who might be able to show you how they tattoo their own pigs? Always easier when someone shows you.


Good luck. Liz

Title: Re: Hi, I'm a small scale pig breeder.
Post by: waterbuffalofarmer on April 16, 2014, 09:59:52 am

We have always tagged our pigs with metal tags, so I don't know anything about tatooing pigs ears.

Title: Re: Hi, I'm a small scale pig breeder.
Post by: Fowgill Farm on April 16, 2014, 03:44:03 pm

if you go on the old spot website somewhere in the forum I think theres some stuff on tattooing www.gospbc.co.uk (http://www.gospbc.co.uk)
hth
Mandy
ps you defo need two people & old clothes, Its messy and noisy ;D

Title: Re: Hi, I'm a small scale pig breeder.
Post by: Gaynor on April 23, 2014, 02:18:30 pm

Thanks everyone. Going to attempt tattooing this weekend - with lots of help! Don't know anyone around here who even keeps pigs let alone who tattoos.  Sure it'll be fine. Anyone know how far a 60g tube of paste will go? I expect to be green myself by the end of the day.